Scars by Cheryl Rainfield

Goodreads Summary:

Kendra fifteen, hasn't felt safe since she began to recall devastating memories of childhood sexual abuse, especially because she still can't remember the most important detail-- her abuser's identity. Frightened, Kendra believes someone is always watching and following her, leaving menacing messages only she understands. If she lets her guard down even for a minute, it could cost Kendra her life. To relieve the pressure, Kendra cuts; aside from her brilliantly expressive artwork, it's her only way of coping. Since her own mother is too self-absorbed to hear her cries for help, Kendra finds support in others instead: from her therapist and her art teacher, from Sandy, the close family friend who encourages her artwork, and from Meghan, the classmate who's becoming a friend and maybe more. But the truth about Kendra's abuse is just waiting to explode, with startling unforeseen consequences. Scars is the unforgettable story of one girl's frightening path to the truth.

My Review:

A few months ago there was a lot of controversy over this book in the blogosphere. People debating if this book and others like it should be accessible to teens.

Honestly, I am insanely glad for the controversy. Not because I agree with book banning or burning (because I don't) but because without all of the talk I may have never heard of and read this book.

This is a vivid and emotional story about Kendra. Throughout the book she struggles to fight through her past as well as her present.

Is this book perfect? Probably not, but really what book is? You are so drawn into Kendra and her torment that you don't notice anything else.

I have the utmost respect for the author, Cheryl Rainfield. She had the strength to write about a painful yet important subject. If we ban books and avoid talking about hard subjects how will we ever be able to understand? How will we be able to help a loved one if they are in trouble? We can't just walk through life with blinders on.

I also like that there's a lot of hotlines and informational websites about cutting in the back of the book.